Rugby League World Cup 2021 public ballot opens, one year to go

Today marks exactly one year until the start of the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, in which group matches will take place in Warrington and the Papua New Guinea men's team will be hosted in the town.

And the public ticket ballot has opened today to celebrate there now being 365 days to go until 16 nations' rugby league teams start to rip into each other on English soil.

Warrington will be hosting three men's fixtures at RLWC2021, starting off with New Zealand vs Lebanon at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on Sunday, October 24, 2021, kick-off 7.30pm.

The town will also stage Papua New Guinea vs Cook Islands on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, kick-off 7.30pm, and Samoa vs France on Sunday, November 7, 2021, kick-off 5pm.

There will be plenty of other fixtures nearby too, in Leigh, St Helens, Manchester, Liverpool and Bolton.

So the Town Hall being lit up RLWC2021 “Power Purple” from 20:21 this evening is a nod to all of this.

Professor Steven Broomhead MBE, Warrington Borough Council Chief Executive and Vice Chair of Warrington Wolves said: “This will be the biggest, best and most inclusive Rugby League World Cup to date.

“Rugby League is at the heart of our town, and I’m looking forward to Warrington playing its part in next year’s tournament.

"Not only can we take pride in being the team base for the Papua New Guinea men’s team, but we will also be hosting three men’s group games at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, and an exciting, international physical disability rugby league event. Look out for more announcements on that in the coming days.

“We’re encouraging everyone in Warrington to get into the spirit of the event and take advantage of the ballot for tickets. Make sure you apply for tickets soon if you want to be at the centre of the action.”

The public ticket ballot is now open to fans and live sport enthusiasts. To apply for tickets, visit rlwc2021.com/tickets

The public ticket ballot – the first in Rugby League World Cup history – will remain open for applications until November 16 at 20:21.

Fans will be able to apply for tickets for each of the 61 matches across all three tournaments - men's, women's and wheelchair - with tickets in each price band available for every game.

Following the unprecedented demand during the Rugby League family priority access sale, fans are being encouraged to apply for a wide selection of matches, or use the Powerplay option to have a better chance of seeing their favourite team play during the tournament.

Fans are reminded that the public ticket ballot will be the last opportunity to buy a ticket to the tournament at 2020 promotional rates as ticket prices will increase from January 1, 2021.

To celebrate the one year to go milestone, RLWC2021 organisers have released “The Power of Together” declaration by Manchester poet Tony Walsh, aka Longfella.

Picture: PA

World renowned poet, and proud Northerner, Walsh captures the passion, excitement and community pride that epitomises the unique and inclusive spirit of the upcoming World Cup.

The poem is a rallying call for communities across the country to play their part in supporting what is being billed as the biggest and best Rugby League World Cup in history.

As the public ticket ballot opens and the tournament edges closer, Walsh urges fans to not miss out and play their part in making it an event to remember: “Help us bring it, help us sing it; help us make the planet tremble, The Rugby League World Cup is coming. Squads assemble!”

Jon Dutton, RLWC2021 chief executive, added: “23 October is a day we have all been looking forward to as the one-year countdown begins to the opening match in Newcastle between England and Samoa in 2021.

"But also, today is a landmark moment not just for the tournament but also the sport of Rugby League as we have the opportunity to welcome many potential future Rugby League fans to the sport through the Public Ticket ballot.

“The ballot provides a brilliant chance for anybody who wants to attend RLWC2021 and watch the most exciting and competitive Rugby League available and be part of sporting history next autumn.

“Warrington has a big part to play in next year's tournament, and with just one year to go, we can feel the excitement and tension mounting as the world’s best will be coming to Warrington.

“England has a rich history of staging great global sporting events with phenomenal public support. We know the Rugby League World Cup 2021 will be no different and fans will turn out in record numbers to support the event.”